CPI launches new collaborative project to enhance nanomedicine development

UK-based technology innovation provider for process manufacturing, the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), has launched a new collaborative project aimed at enhancing nanomedicine development.

Through this project a new microfluidic-based platform for the scale-up, process development and manufacture of nanoformulated medicines will be evaluated. If successful, CPI will make the platform available on an open-access basis at its National Formulation Centre to aid the development of new products and technologies coming out of academia and the biotech sector.

Nanoformulations have the potential to enhance conventional drug properties like improving intracellular delivery and tissue targeting. Through ensuring the right amount of a molecule can be delivered to the right tissue at the right time can improve health outcomes and reduce negative side effects. Therefore, nanoformulations offer improved efficiency of therapies and can be used to treat difficult to target sites.

According to analysis by BCC Research, the market for nanoformulated medicines is growing significantly and is estimated to have a market value of $44.5 billion by 2019. However, the development of robust and scalable processes for the manufacture of nanomedicines has been a barrier to commercial success.

As part of this project, CPI will collaborate closely with a range of organisations including the University of Manchester, the University of Strathclyde, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Croda, Malvern PANalytical, and Precision Nanosystems. These partners will contribute knowledge and expertise relating to the design, development and manufacture of nanomedicines. The manufacturing platform for this project will exploit microfluidic devices in which the mixing of reagents can be exquisitely controlled.

“We are thrilled to be working with such a strong consortium of collaborators on a project that will have positive impact for a rapidly emerging market,” explained Graeme Cruickshank, director of CPI’s National Formulation Centre. “The development of this microfluidics platform will underpin our capability to enable companies to robustly scale up novel nanoformulations, improving the chances of a positive result in pre-clinical trials. Ultimately this will lead to benefits for large and small companies alike.”

Yvonne Perrie, professor of Drug Delivery at the University of Strathclyde, added: “Having worked in the field of liposomes and microfluidics for some time now, we are delighted to be part of this project and add in our experience in developing scalable manufacturing processes for liposomes and nanomedicines.”